Editorial: Sense at last
OPINION: For the first time in many years, a commonsense approach is emerging to balance environmental issues with the need for the nation's primary producers to be able to operate effectively.
Environment Southland says it has now ring-fenced $375,000 for new funding initiatives, aimed at enhancing water quality.
The council has created two new funds, available to all landowners within the Southland region, to provide the community with an opportunity to undertake projects with up to 50% of the costs covered by council.
This will add up to $140,000 in the first year.
The third are of funding will grant Thriving Southland $235,000 for wetland mitigations and other water quality improvement projects. The fund will run until June 2026.
Environment Southland community and engagement general manager Sam Rossiter-Stead says that by providing this financial assistance, the council hopes to encourage community-driven efforts to protect and restore the natural environment.
“The funds are a great opportunity for landowners to get help to cover the costs of planned projects,” he says.
“If you have identified an environmental improvement for your property but have been put off by the associated costs, this grant could provide the necessary financial support to help you implement these changes,” he adds.
Rossiter-Stead says the funds give Environment Southland the ability to partner with the community so more projects can be achieved to protect and restore the natural environment in the region.
The funding is divided into two categories: one for land management and another for native planting.
To be eligible, projects must be discussed with an Environment Southland land sustainability officer before submitting an application.
Completed applications must be received by close of business on 14 February, 2025.
All projects must be completed within the financial year, with invoices submitted by 15 June, 2025.
For more information or to apply, contact Environment Southland on 0880 76 88 45.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
Missing fresh mozzarella cheese made at home in Bari, southern Italy, Massimo Lubisco and his wife Marina decided to bring a taste of home to New Zealand.
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt Montgomerie.
Irish meat processor Dawn Meats is set to acquire a 70% stake in Alliance Group, according to a report in The Irish Times.
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